Northwestern coach David Braun calls sports betting “predatory”
Northwestern football coach David Braun called sports betting “predatory,” saying the reason betting lines exist is “to draw action” and that, as a father of two young sons, he is “terrified of how addictive phones are, how addictive gambling is.”
What happened
Northwestern Wildcats football coach David Braun spoke out against sports betting in remarks shared on social media on October 26, 2026. “The last thing any of us are paying attention to is betting lines,” he said. “Why are those lines placed? To draw action.”
Braun, who has boys aged 11 and 9, said: “I am terrified of how addictive phones are, how addictive gambling is.” He went on: “It’s scary stuff. It’s predatory,” and “It’s messed up what’s going on.”
The details
His comments come as betting becomes more entangled with college and professional sports, and as prediction markets that accept customers from age 18 face scrutiny. Kalshi has just capped deposits for users aged 18 to 20; most state-licensed sportsbooks require customers to be 21.
What it means
Braun’s remarks are an opinion, not a finding about any operator. Licensed sportsbooks must offer tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion; our responsible gambling page explains them and lists free, confidential help, including 1-800-GAMBLER in the US. If you bet, set a limit before you start and compare prices on our odds page rather than chasing losses.
Key facts
| Who | David Braun, Northwestern Wildcats head football coach |
|---|---|
| When | Remarks shared October 26, 2026 |
| Key quote | “It’s scary stuff. It’s predatory.” |
| Help in the US | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) |
| Market | United States · regulator: state gaming regulators |
| Published | October 28, 2026 |
Questions and answers
What did David Braun say about sports betting?
The Northwestern coach called sports betting “predatory,” said betting lines exist “to draw action,” and said he is “terrified of how addictive phones are, how addictive gambling is.”
Why did Braun mention his children?
He has boys aged 11 and 9 and said he is terrified of how addictive phones and gambling are.
Where can I get help with gambling in the US?
Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), free and confidential, 24/7. Licensed sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.
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Sources
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